Monday night’s Augusta City Council meeting turned emotional as residents voiced concerns over the enforcement of cemetery rules that were discussed, reviewed, and published in 2016. Weekend social media conversations indicated clean up efforts following the guidelines had begun in the older part of Elmwood Cemetery. Some residents were upset because they were unaware of the rules and felt notification was in order. The City sent out notices in utility bills, posted signs at Elmwood Cemetery, and shared information on social media reminding the public of existing cemetery regulations.
After years of lax enforcement and a widespread unfamiliarity with rules and regulations at the cemetery, the notification generated a backlash from the community.
The notice had indicated that the regulations would be enforced by removing prohibited items following the Memorial Day holiday.
That did not happen.
There is now a new cemetery sexton, along with new cemetery staff. A sexton wishing to enforce rules and the City’s failure to notify residents that enforcement would be taking place, caused weekend excitement on Facebook and at the cemetery.
(Read more: Augusta Gazette)